Daily Current Affairs : 5-August-2023
In a significant stride towards improving public health, Iraq has achieved a remarkable feat by eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease, is recognized as the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. This essay delves into the significance of this achievement, sheds light on trachoma, and examines the strategies employed to combat this debilitating disease.
Understanding Trachoma:
A Neglected Tropical Disease Trachoma is a member of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) family, a group of ailments commonly found in low-income populations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These diseases, caused by a range of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms, often afflict communities with limited access to healthcare and sanitation facilities.
The Devastating Impact of Trachoma:
Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is a relentless assailant, leading to irreversible blindness. This ailment has entrenched itself as a public health concern in 42 countries, leaving approximately 1.9 million people visually impaired or blind. While considerable progress has been made, the disease still persists in six countries within the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The Advanced Stage:
Trichiasis One of the severe stages of trachoma is trichiasis, which entails the inward turning of eyelashes, causing them to scratch the cornea. This condition intensifies the risk of blindness and underscores the urgency of combating trachoma.
The WHO’s Approach:
The SAFE Strategy To combat trachoma and eliminate it as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) devised the SAFE strategy, encompassing four essential components:
- Surgery: This involves treating the blinding stage of trachoma, known as trachomatous trichiasis, through surgical intervention. By correcting the inward-turning eyelashes, the risk of corneal damage and blindness is mitigated.
- Antibiotics: Azithromycin, an antibiotic, is a cornerstone of trachoma treatment. Administering antibiotics helps clear the infection, thereby halting the progression of the disease.
- Facial Cleanliness: Encouraging communities to maintain facial cleanliness is pivotal. Regular face washing can reduce the transmission of the bacteria responsible for trachoma.
- Environmental Improvement: Access to clean water and sanitation facilities is crucial in preventing trachoma. Improved living conditions, particularly sanitation and water supply, significantly contribute to disease prevention.
Iraq’s Triumph:
A Beacon of Progress Iraq’s achievement in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem is a testament to the effectiveness of the SAFE strategy. The collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities have resulted in a momentous victory against this blinding disease. This accomplishment not only enhances the quality of life for those who were at risk but also serves as an inspiration for other nations grappling with trachoma and similar public health challenges.
Important Points:
- Iraq has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
- Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease and the leading infectious cause of blindness.
- Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect low-income populations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and leads to irreversible blindness.
- It was a public health concern in 42 countries, causing blindness or visual impairment in around 1.9 million people.
- Trichiasis is an advanced stage of trachoma where inward-turning eyelashes scratch the cornea, worsening the condition.
- The WHO developed the SAFE strategy to combat trachoma: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, and Environmental Improvement.
- Surgery corrects the blinding stage (trachomatous trichiasis).
- Antibiotics, particularly azithromycin, clear the infection.
- Facial cleanliness reduces transmission of the bacteria.
- Environmental improvement, including water and sanitation access, prevents trachoma.
- Iraq’s success highlights the effectiveness of the SAFE strategy and collaborative efforts.
- Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities played crucial roles in Iraq’s achievement.
- Iraq’s victory inspires other nations facing trachoma and similar health challenges.
- Continued investment in healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and education is essential.
- Iraq’s triumph emphasizes the importance of addressing neglected tropical diseases comprehensively.
Why In News
Iraq has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully eliminating trachoma as a public health concern, showcasing the nation’s dedication to improving the well-being of its citizens. This accomplishment stands as a testament to Iraq’s unwavering commitment to healthcare initiatives and serves as an inspiring example for other countries striving to eradicate preventable diseases.
MCQs about Trachoma
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What is trachoma primarily known for?
A. Being a bacterial infection
B. Being a viral infection
C. Being a fungal infection
D. Being a parasitic infection
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Which component of the SAFE strategy aims to treat the advanced stage of trachoma known as trichiasis?
A. Surgery
B. Antibiotics
C. Facial Cleanliness
D. Environmental Improvement
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Which region of the World Health Organization (WHO) still has trachoma as a known public health concern?
A. African Region
B. Western Pacific Region
C. Eastern Mediterranean Region
D. European Region
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What lesson can other nations learn from Iraq’s achievement in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem?
A. The importance of investing in military infrastructure
B. The significance of economic growth
C. The effectiveness of collaborative efforts and comprehensive strategies
D. The need for increased political power
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